2016 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA-Class towing

The damping is tuned individually to each
wheel and depends on:
Ryour driving style, e.g. sporty
Rthe road surface condition, e.g. bumps
Ryour individual selection of Sport or Com-
fort mode.
The suspension setting is adjusted using the
corresponding button in the center console.
iThe mode can also be set using the AMG
DYNAMIC SELECT controller (
Ypage 156).
Each time you start the engine with the igni-
tion key or the Start/Stop button, Comfort
mode is activated. For further information
about starting the engine, see (
Ypage 149).
Sport mode
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
Sport mode ensures even better contact with
the road. Select this mode when employing a
sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country
roads.
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up. You have selec-
ted Sport mode.
The AMG
SuspensionSystemSPORTmes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
Comfort mode
In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select
this mode if you favor a more comfortable
driving style, but also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. highways.
XPress button :again so that indicator
lamp ;goes out.
You have selected Comfort mode.
The AMG Suspension System COMFORT
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
4MATIC
!
Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the differential.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground or be fully raised. Observe the instructions for
towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
4MATIC, together with ESP
®, improves the
traction of your vehicle whenever a drive
wheel spins due to insufficient grip.
If you fail to adapt your driving style, 4MATIC
can neither reduce the risk of accident nor
override the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot
take account of road, weather and traffic con- ditions. 4MATIC is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip:
ROnly depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary when pulling away.
RAccelerate less when driving.
iIn wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
Chassis with adaptive adjustable
damping
General notes
Suspension with the Adaptive Damping Sys-
tem provides improved driving comfort and
continuously controls the calibration of the
Driving systems191
Driving and parking
Z

XTo initiate an emergency call manually:
press cover:briefly to open.
XPress SOS button ;briefly.
The indicator lamp in SOS button ;
flashes until the emergency call is conclu-
ded.
XWait for a voice connection to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Cen-
ter.
XAfter the emergency call, close cover :.
If the mobile phone network is unavailable,
mbrace will not be able to make the emer-
gency call. If you leave the vehicle immedi-
ately after pressing the SOS button, you will
not know whether mbrace placed the emer-
gency call. In this case, always summon assis-
tance by other means.
Roadside Assistance button
XTo call Roadside Assistance: press Road-
side Assistance button :.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center.
The indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button :flashes while the call is active.
The Connecting
Callmessage appears in
the multifunction display. The audio output is muted.
If a connection can be made, the Call Con‐
nectedmessage appears in the multifunction
display. If a mobile phone network and GPS reception
are available, the system transfers data to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center,
for example:
Rcurrent location of the vehicle
Rvehicle identification number
The COMAND/Audio 20 display indicates
that a call is active. During the call, you can
change to the navigation menu by pressing
the NAVI button in COMAND/Audio 20, for
example.
Voice output is not available in this case.
A voice connection is established between
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center and the vehicle occupants.
From the remote malfunction diagnosis, the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
can ascertain the nature of the problem
(
Ypage 288).
The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center either sends a qualified Mercedes-
Benz technician or makes arrangements for
your vehicle to be transported to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
You may be charged for services such as
repair work and/or towing.
You can find more information in the separate
mbrace manual.
The system has not been able to initiate a
Roadside Assistance call, if:
Rthe indicator lamp for Roadside Assistance
call button Fis flashing continuously.
Rno voice connection to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center was estab-
lished.
This can occur if the relevant mobile phone
network is not available, for example.
The Call Failed
message appears in the
multifunction display.
XTo end a call: press the~button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XPress the corresponding COMAND/Audio
20 button for ending a phone call.
284Features
Stowag ean d features

should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash
GWARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes automati-
cally in certain situations.
To prevent damage to the vehicle, deacti-
vate DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD func-
tion in the following or other similar situa-
tions:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
!Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in position Nwhen washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehi-
cle could be damaged if the transmission is
in another position.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and the sliding sunroof are fully closed.
Rthe ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed/the
airflow control is set to position 0).
Rthe windshield wiper switch is in position
0.
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the wind-
shield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in each coun-
try.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUse a soft sponge to clean.
XUse a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
XDo not point the water jet directly towardsthe air inlet.
XUse plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
XDo not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
Carefully remove all deposits of road salt as
soon as possible when driving in winter.
302Care
Maintenance and care

Useful information............................310
Where will I find...? ...........................310
Flat tire .............................................. 310
Battery (vehicle) ................................ 315
Jump-starting .................................... 319
Towing and tow-starting ..................321
Fuses .................................................. 325
309
Breakdown assistance

Useful information
i
This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional equip-
ment of your vehicle available at the time of
publication of the Operator's Manual.
Country-specific differences are possible.
Please note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all features described. This
also applies to safety-related systems and
functions.
iRead the information on qualified special-
ist workshops (
Ypage 25).
Where will I find...?
Vehicle tool kit
General notes
Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit: the TIREFIT kit is
located in the stowage well under the trunk
floor.
Vehicles with a tire-change tool kit: the tire-
change tool kit is in the stowage well under
the trunk floor.
iApart from certain country-specific varia-
tions, the vehicles are not equipped with a
tire-change tool kit. Some tools for chang-
ing a wheel are specific to the vehicle. For
more information on which tire changing
tools are required and approved to perform
a wheel change on your vehicle, consult a
qualified specialist workshop.
Tools required for changing a wheel may
include, for example:
RJack
RWheel chock
RLug wrench
RAlignment bolt
Vehicles with a TIREFIT kit
:Tire inflation compressor
;Tire sealant filler bottle
=Towing eye
XOpen the trunk lid.
XLift the trunk floor upwards (Ypage 277).
XUse the TIREFIT kit (Ypage 312).
iTowing eye ;is located under tire infla-
tion compressor :.
Vehicles with a tire-change tool kit
XOpen the trunk lid.
XLift the trunk floor upwards (Ypage 277).
XRemove the tire-change tool kit.
The tire-change tool kit contains:
RJack
RLug wrench
ROne pair of gloves
RFolding wheel chock
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
RMOExtended tires (tires with run-flat prop-
erties) (
Ypage 311)
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with MOExtended tires
Ra TIREFIT kit (Ypage 310)
310Flat tire
Breakdown assistance

XStart the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
XConnect negative terminal?of donor battery Bto ground point Aof your vehicle using
the jumper cable, connecting the jumper cable to battery of other vehicle Bfirst.
XIf the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected
for a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the battery slightly.
XStart the engine.
XBefore disconnecting the jumper cables, let the engine run for several minutes.
XFirst, remove the jumper cables from ground point Aand negative terminal ?, then from
positive clamp ;and positive terminal =. Begin each time at the contacts on your own
vehicle first.
XClose cover :of positive terminal ;after removing the jumper cables.
XClose the hood.
XHave the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
iJump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
iJumper cables and further information regarding jump-starting can be obtained at any
qualified specialist workshop.
Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Functions relevant to safety are restricted or
no longer available if:
Rthe engine is not running.
Rthe brake system or the power steering is
malfunctioning.
Rthere is a malfunction in the voltage supply or the vehicle's electrical system.
If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
GWARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
GWARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the:
Rthe towing eye could detach itself
Rthe vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per- missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Details on the permissible gross vehicle
weight of your vehicle can be found on the
vehicle identification plate (
Ypage 364).
!When COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
PLUS, DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD func-
tion is activated, the vehicle brakes auto-
matically in certain situations. To avoid
damage to the vehicle, deactivate these
systems in the following or similar situa-
tions:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
Towing and tow-starting321
Breakdown assistance
Z

!Make sure that the electric parking brake
is released. If the electric parking brake is
faulty, visit a qualified specialist workshop.
!Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged.
!Do not use the towing eyes for recovery
purposes as this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
!When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
!The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of
30 mph (50km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the front axle must be
raised or the entire vehicle raised and
transported.
!Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
!When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop but-
ton. Otherwise, the automatic transmission
may shift to position Pwhen the driver's or
front-passenger door are opened, which
could lead to damage to the transmission.
!Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be started by tow-starting. This
could otherwise damage the transmission.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed away.
If the vehicle can no longer be driven because of an accident or breakdown, you have the
following options:
RTransporting the vehicle
As a rule, you should have the vehicle trans-
ported.
RTowing the vehicle with a tow rope or tow
bar
Only tow the vehicle in exceptional cases. The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
Rcannot turn the SmartKey to position 2in
the ignition lock
Rcannot release the electric parking brake
Rcannot shift the transmission to position N
The function of the electric parking brake and the parking lock is dependent on the on-board
voltage.
If the on-board voltage is low or there is a
system malfunction, it is possible that:
Rthe electric parking brake may not be
applied in certain circumstances, or
Rthe transmission may not be shifted to P
Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. the
radio.
Disarm the automatic locking feature before
the vehicle is towed (
Ypage 222). You could
otherwise be locked out when pushing or
towing the vehicle.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
The brackets for the screw-in towing eye are
located in the bumpers. They are at the rear
and at the front, under covers :.
322Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance

XRemove thetowin geye from th estowage
space.
The towin geye is locate dwit hth evehicl e
tool ki tunder th ecargo compartmen tfloor
(
Ypage 310).
Vehicles wit hth eTIREFI Tkit: th etowin g
eye is beneat hth etire inflation compres-
sor .
XPress th emar kon cover :inward sin th e
direction of th earrow.
XTak ecover :off th eopening.
XScrew in th etowin geye clockwise to th e
stop.
Removin gth etowing eye
XUnscrew and remove th etowin geye.
XAttac hcover :to th ebumper and press
until it engages.
XPlac eth etowin geye in th estowage well
beneat hth ecargo compartmen tfloor in
th ecargo compartmen t (
Ypage 310).
XVehicles withth eTIREFI Tkit: put bac kth e
tire inflation compressor.
Towing th e vehicle wit hth e fr ont axle
raised
Observ eth eimportant safet ynote swhen
towin gyour vehicl ewit hth efron taxl eraised
(
Ypage 321).
Only vehicles withou t4MATIC can be
towe dwit hth efront axle raised .
!Vehicles with4MATIC mus tno tbe towed
wit heither th efron tor th erear axl eraised,
as doin gso will damag eth etransmission .
Vehicles wit h4MATIC may either be towed
away wit hbot haxles on th eground or be loa-
ded up and transported.
!The ignition mus tbe switched off if th e
vehicl eis bein gtowed wit hth efron taxl e
raised. Otherwise ,ES P
®may interven eand
damag eth ebrak esystem.
XOn vehicles wit hKEYLESS-G Oor th e
KEYLESS-G Ostar tfunction: you must
use th eSmartKey instead of th eStart/Sto p
butto n (
Ypage 148).
XMakesur ethat th evehicl eis stationary.
XTurn th eSmartKey to position 2in th eigni-
tion lock.
XWhe nth evehicl eis stationary, depress th e
brak epedal and keep it depressed.
XShift th eautomatic transmission to posi-
tion P.
XReleas eth ebrak epedal .
XReleas eth eelectric parkin gbrake.
XSwitc hoff th eautomatic locking
(
Ypage 222).
XSwitc hon th ehazard warnin glamp s
(
Ypage 117).
XTurn th eSmartKey in th eignition loc kto
position 0and leav eth eSmartKey in th e
ignition lock.
Towing a vehicle wit hbot haxles on
th egroun d
It is important that you observ eth esafet y
instruction swhen towin gaway your vehicl e
(
Ypage 321).
XOn vehicles wit hKEYLESS-G Oor th e
KEYLESS-G Ostar tfunction: you must
use th eSmartKey instead of th eStart/Sto p
butto n (
Ypage 148).
The automatic transmission automatically
shift sto position Pwhen you open th edriver's
or front-passenger doo ror when you remove
th eSmartKey from th eignition lock. In order
to ensur ethat th eautomatic transmission
stays in position Nwhen towin gth evehicle,
you mus tobserv eth efollowin gpoints :
XMakesur ethat th evehicl eis stationary.
XTurn th eSmartKey to position 2in th eigni-
tion lock.
Towing and tow-starting323
Breakdown assistance
Z